Photocatalytic Degradation of Microplastic in the Environment

Microplastic pollution is reported as an emerging environmental pollutant that needs a promising solution because of its uncontrolled occurrence, distribution, non-visibility, and long lifetime. Different methods were tested such as incineration, filtration, coagulation, adsorption, chemical oxidation, and biodegradation, but they did not give effective results. Either it requires additional chemicals and energy for processing or generates by-products or sludge that needs further treatments. Recently, photocatalytic degradation emerges as a promising solution for the degradation of microplastic. Different photocatalysts are reported for the degradation of low-density polyethylene, high-density polypropylene, and many others. Optimization of photocatalytic reaction is assessed for successful application of photocatalytic degradation of microplastic.